1
as in shrines
a place that is considered sacred (as within a religion)
by law, anyone who sought refuge in a religious sanctuary was safe from arrest by the civil authorities
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in refuges
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
the marshland has been set aside as a sanctuary for shorebirds along that section of the coast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sanctuaries
After years of minimalism and raw finishes, people crave comfort and warmth, especially in a post-pandemic world where homes serve as sanctuaries.
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Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 7 Jan. 2026
The guest rooms skew coastal, with pale wood accents and white walls, while bathrooms are true sanctuaries, complete with soaking tubs and thick robes.
—AFAR Media, 30 Dec. 2025
Kennedy said his agency is exploring options to retire animals to sanctuaries.
—Madeleine May, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
Are fertility clinics supposed to be sanctuaries of caution or labs of innovation?
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025
According to the town's ordinance, zoological activities cover zoos and sanctuaries that care for, display or breed animals and offer educational programs on 100 acres or more.
—Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 11 Dec. 2025
In ancient Rome, temples and sanctuaries needed clear sight lines for the taking of auspices — interpreting omens from the behavior of birds — and other rituals.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Dec. 2025
Your host has invited you into the holiest of sanctuaries and given you a task.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2025
For National Geographic’s Photo Ark project, photographer Joel Sartore is documenting all species living in the world’s zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries.
—Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 27 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuaries
Noun
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From the facade crafted from hinoki wood, a rare cypress that’s often reserved for Japanese temples and shrines, to impressive cultural programming and exhibitions, there’s always something worth seeing.—
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The alleged crimes include graffiti left on churches and religious shrines of different denominations in Bankers Hill, Golden Hill, Hillcrest and North Park, police said.—
Noun
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And while the city is already rich in green spaces like the Jardín del Turia—Spain’s largest urban park—new biodiversity corridors in the Turia Garden and community spaces such as Jardín Trini Simó are vital green refuges during the summer heat.—
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The National Wildlife Refuge System, for example, has 42 pages worth of regulations specific to individual refuges.—
Noun
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Will Sacramento shelters close?—
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Now, Sacramento city leaders are considering a ban on any new homeless shelters in the area.—
Noun
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In Southern California, Ojai is a serene haven of spiritual retreats, boutique shopping, and lush orange groves.—
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These natural springs can be enjoyed at traditional properties like Fujiya Ryokan or at modern retreats such as Amanemu, where guests have access to spa onsens and private onsen baths in every suite and villa.—
Noun
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Other safe havens Gold has been the main beneficiary of developments in Venezuela, following a streak of record highs in 2025.—
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Such assets are often considered safe havens in times of geopolitical turmoil.—
Cite this Entry
“Sanctuaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuaries. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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